Thinking of going on a gluten-free diet? From Celiac Disease to gluten sensitivity and plain curiosity, you might have many reasons for taking up a gluten-free diet, but ultimately, there’s just one thing that you need to care about, the health benefits of gluten free diet.

Gluten intolerance can take many forms like celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and gluten sensitivity, and there is a broad spectrum of health issues that people who suffer from gluten related problems often face. If you are one of the affected individuals, you will be able to immediately note the benefits of gluten free diet.

Eating less gluten can be good for you in many ways. But first, you should understand what is gluten and why you might want to avoid it.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat and barley. It adds elasticity, texture, and firmness to food made from these grains. Gluten is the ingredient that makes bread fluffy and chewy. It is also extracted and added to other foods to lend flavor and texture to them.

Why Should You Avoid It?

The reasons to avoid gluten are many, and a gluten-free diet is normally recommended for people who suffer from celiac disease or other gluten related problems like dermatitis herpetiformis. If your problems are not too severe but you still experience some levels of sensitivity to gluten, you should probably cut down your gluten intake.

The Health Benefits Of Gluten Free Diet

Helps Combat Celiac Disease And Other Problems

Celiac disease is a condition under which the the body’s immune system sees gluten as a potential threat and produces antibodies to fight it. This ultimately damages the small intestine and inhibits the body’s ability to absorb nutrients effectively.

Gluten intolerance can also cause dermatitis herpetiformis. This is a skin condition that’s characterized by a reddish itchy rash that appears on many parts of the body, mainly along the elbows, knees, and back.

Less severe reactions include mild digestive problems and fatigue, usually after consuming wheat products. It is estimated that gluten sensitivity is more prevalent in milder forms than celiac disease, even though most people might not even be aware that they have such a condition.

Going on a gluten-free diet might be a good idea if you have any allergic reaction to a general wheat based diet. It is especially a good option for people who suffer from gluten intolerance.

Helps In Managing Autism

A research study conducted by Penn State College Of Medicine suggested that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would benefit from a gluten free diet. The study questioned the parents of children with ASD and gastrointestinal (GI) problems. The members found that children who were on a strict gluten-free and a casein-free (casein is a protein in milk products) diet experienced significant improvements in their GI symptoms.

Children with autism might face digestive problems, and a gluten free diet can help in managing a similar condition. Research suggests that children with autism might mainly suffer from an inability to digest gluten. This results in an increased level of gluteomorphins in their blood. This protein byproduct also results in behavioral problems that are associated with autism.

Other Health Benefits Of Gluten Free Diet

A good gluten-free diet might provide surprising and indirect health benefits for people who don’t suffer from gluten-related problems.

The key benefits of gluten free diet can be mainly attributed to the fact that gluten-free directly translates to eating healthy foods and avoiding mainstream pre-processed and packaged foods. These packaged foods usually contain a lot of unhealthy fats and sugars that result in weight gain and lead to other cholesterol related problems, which a gluten free diet will help you avoid.

Gluten free diets involve fresh and unprocessed meats and vegetables, which contain less fats and additives. Following such a diet can lead to healthy weight loss and increased energy levels.

Regardless of whether you suffer from gluten-related problems or not, there are many benefits of gluten free diet that are yours to reap.